The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is set to be more than just a football match. A star-studded closing ceremony including Post Malone, Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, on 19th July.
Before the world champions are declared, the ceremony, which is scheduled to start 90 minutes before to kickoff, will commemorate the tournament's trip around sixteen host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What is FIFA Planning For the World Cup Closing Ceremony?
The event is a celebration of the "48 teams' remarkable journey" through the largest World Cup in history, according to FIFA. The performance, which is produced by Balich Wonder Studio under creative director Marco Balich, will combine football with international entertainment while highlighting the cultures of the three host countries.
Since the festivities start 90 minutes before kickoff, those attending the final have also been urged to arrive early.
Italian singer Laura Pausini, Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger, British pop icon Robbie Williams, and Jennifer Hudson will all perform the national anthem of the United States.
Additionally, actor Tom Cruise will make a special appearance, according to FIFA, and one of the show's featured performers will be streamer IShowSpeed, who has been a constant presence throughout the tournament with his live streams.
Why Post Malone's Addition is a Major Talking Point
FIFA revealed Post Malone as the main act for the closing ceremony one day after revealing the initial lineup. Thanks to chart-topping hits like 'Circles,' 'Sunflower,' 'Rockstar,' 'Congratulations,' 'Better Now,' and 'I Had Some Help,' the Grammy-nominated musician has emerged as one of the biggest crossover talents in the world.
His latest album, 'F-1 Trillion,' debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, further expanding his success into country music.
As FIFA continues to fuse sports with popular entertainment, his arrival adds another major player in the world of music to the celebration. FIFA said the event is designed to celebrate "the unforgettable journey" of this expanded World Cup, bringing together music, film, digital creators and football on one stage.
A Historic World Cup Finale
The closing ceremony is only one part of a landmark evening. The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will begin right after the pre-match festivities, followed by FIFA's first-ever halftime show, which will feature international celebrities like Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and others.
Together, the pre-match ceremony and halftime spectacle mark FIFA's biggest entertainment production yet, reflecting how the tournament has evolved into a global cultural event that reaches far beyond football.
Also Read: Justin Bieber Added to Historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show Lineup
